Posts in category: Diplomacy

The list of banned items on a cruise ship is an ever-evolving thing. And any time an item is added or removed from the naughty list it typically creates at least a little confusion.

This time, the topic was fans. And while apparently a “cruise influencer” was spreading some false rumors about one type of fan being banned, the cruise line set the record straight about which type of fans are allowed.

Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador took to his popular Facebook page to let everyone know that “neck fans are allowed”.

Clearing the Air on Portable Cooling

The confusion began when several cruisers reached out to Heald, concerned by reports from a “lovely cruise influencer” claiming these neck-worn gadgets had been added to the prohibited items list.

After consulting with “the mothership,” Heald confirmed that these battery-operated fans are perfectly fine to bring on board.  So, crisis averted for those that run hot it seems.

Unlike traditional plug-in fans that can pose a fire risk, most neck fans are USB-rechargeable.

This keeps them off the “naughty list,” as they don’t require the ship’s electrical grid in the same way a large pedestal or box fan might.

What Carnival Cruisers Think

As comments poured into Heald’s post, it became pretty obvious that many Carnival cruisers are thankful these neck fans are still allowed.  For some it was not just a luxury but something they “needed”.

One cruiser shared a story about her daughter, who used a neck fan during a “near fatal motorcycle accident” recovery in the ICU to prevent overheating. They are now packing it for their upcoming fall cruise.

And on top of several saying the fans are essential for managing “hot flashes” that can strike at any moment, many just said those humid days in Nassau or Jamaica made the portable gadgets lifesavers.

What Fan IS Actually Banned?

The reason the rumors likely started is because Carnival did recently implement a ban on a very specific type of fan recently: the folding clack fan.

In 2025, the cruise line restricted these handheld, non-electric fans from being used on indoor dance floors and in nightclubs.

“For safety reasons, handheld fans are not permitted in the nightclub or on any indoor dance floor,” the new rule reads.

The decision came after a viral trend of line dancing along with the popping and clacking sound of the fans became an issue.  Apparently, these seemingly innocent looking fans were an injury waiting to happen (or that did happen), and the cruise line was trying to get ahead of it.

To be clear, folding clack fans are still allowed on the ship.  You just can’t use them in the nightclub or on any dance floors indoors.

Other Fan Rules to Remember

To avoid having your luggage flagged at the pier and having to endure the walk of shame to the “naughty table”, here are a few other fan-related rules to keep in mind:

• Size Matters: Standard fans for your stateroom are generally allowed as long as they are 12 inches in diameter or smaller.  According to Carnival’s prohibited items list, “Personal grooming devices such as hair dryers, flat irons, curling irons, shavers, and other electrical devices, such as fans (no larger than 12″ in diameter…are allowed when used with proper caution.”
• Safety First: Any fan brought on board must be in good working condition. If the cord is frayed or the motor smells, security will likely confiscate it for the duration of the voyage.
• Power Play: Do not bring a fan that requires a surge protector, as surge protectors are strictly prohibited on all Carnival ships.

One thing most people don’t realize is that you can request a fan from your room steward as well.  There are only so many of them on board, but it’s worth asking for one if you forget yours or have a hard time keeping cool at night.

They are only provided on a first-come, first-served basis, so ask for it on day one if you’re interested.

As long as your cooling device is small, safe, and in the case of the neck fan, silent, you can keep the breeze going while you sail.

Royal Caribbean knows that cruisers want the VIP treatment even if they don’t always have the funds to go all in.  And anything that can save time, skip lines, or save money is worth checking out.

“The Key” is a program the cruise line came up with to offer some extra perks to passengers that may not have reached a major milestone in loyalty status or have a suite booked.

If you’ve been planning a Royal Caribbean cruise lately, you’ve probably seen The Key pop up in your planner. It comes with a per-day price tag and has left a lot of cruisers wondering if the perks are worth it.

A recent Reddit post asked this very question, and some of the community’s replies were very insightful. I thought it would be great opportunity to give the pros and cons.

Let’s look at the breakdown of why this extra perk program might or might not be right for your 2026 sailing.

Official Perks of The Key

• Priority Arrival: Access during a designated early check-in window.
• Bag Drop: Carry-on drop-off at the Dining Room with stateroom delivery.
• Exclusive Dining: Private welcome lunch (Day 1) and à la carte breakfast (final day).
• Voom Internet: High-speed Surf & Stream for one device per person.
• Fast-Pass Access: Priority lanes for onboard activities and priority tendering at ports.
• Reserved Seating: Dedicated sections at the Main Theater, AquaTheater, Studio B, and Two70.
• Day 1 Discounts: 20% off dining, 50% off select sports, and $60 off spa services ($250+ spend).

5 Reasons to Consider The Key

1. You are 100% buying the internet anyway.

The Key includes Voom Surf & Stream for every person on the reservation. If the daily price of the package is only a few dollars more than the standalone Wi-Fi, the extra perks are worth it.

As one comment in the social media post shared: “I found the key to be great, and well worth the small extra cost.”

2. You want to bypass the “Day 1” Buffet Chaos.

While thousands fight for a table at the Windjammer buffet with their carry-on bags, Key guests get a sit-down “signature” lunch in the Main Dining Room and a place to drop off their luggage.

One comment highlighted this as a big reason for choosing The Key, mentioning the “peaceful lunch featuring excellent mushroom soup while others waited in the buffet line.”

3. You are sailing on an Oasis or Icon-class ship.

On these mega-ships, the “Reserved Seating” for shows is a big advantage. You don’t have to show up 45 minutes early for the AquaTheater or Ice Shows just to see the action.  I’ve missed these shows before because I planned too late.

One longtime buyer listed “VIP seating” as their top reason for consistently buying the pass.

4. Your itinerary is “Tender-Heavy.”

In ports like Belize or Grand Cayman, you have to take a small boat to shore. The Key offers priority tendering, which can save you an hour or more of waiting in a hot stairwell (one of my least favorite parts of cruising).

5. You want a “VIP” exit from the ship.

Ending a vacation can be stressful.  After all, it’s bad enough your cruise is over but now you have to deal with a rather hectic disembarkation process. But The Key offers an à la carte breakfast and a private and escorted departure process that allows you to choose a departure time as well.

One Diamond member shared that they loved the “shorter lines and special seating” all the way until the moment they left the ship.

3 Reasons to Skip It

1. You already have Crown & Anchor Status.

If you are Diamond, Diamond Plus, or Pinnacle, you already get many of these perks for free. Paying for The Key often means paying for things you already have in your pocket.

2. You are on a smaller, older ship.

On Vision or Radiance-class ships, the “Fast Lane” activities are limited and shows rarely sell out. One skeptical cruiser laid out a clear checklist, saying it’s only worth it if “you are on an Oasis or Icon class ship. The reserved seating is valuable on these ships for smaller venues.”

3. You are on a long cruise (10+ nights).

Because it is priced per person, per day, a 12-night cruise can turn a $30/day “bargain” into a $360/person expense. For that price, you could buy the internet separately and still have enough left over for two nights of high-end Specialty Dining.

Bottom Line

All the factors laid out above matter: the ship, the itinerary, your personal status etc.  Many first-time cruisers get The Key just because it’s one less thing to worry about.  And some that try it once say they will never get it again. 

For most, I will say that it’s probably not as advantageous, but in the world of cruising, I’ve learned that everyone vacations differently.  If your goal is to save money, do the math first.  If the goal is to save a bit of time and hassle, try it out yourself at least once.  It’s really the only true-fire way to know if it’s worth it or not.

Vancouver is gearing up for a very busy cruise season. And for the first time since 2019, five ships in one day will be using the port’s terminals.

Vancouver’s Canada Place is one of the most accessible major-city ports in the world, and it’s right near the top of my list of favorite places to begin a cruise.   

Cruisers can step off their ship directly into the heart of downtown, with hotels, world-class dining, Stanley Park, and the SkyTrain to the airport all within a short walk.

There are no industrial shuttles or awkward transfers. It doesn’t feel like the port was crammed into the city as an afterthought.  The two just go together very well, and I felt that from my very first visit to Vancouver.

As Canada Place celebrates its 40th anniversary as a cruise terminal in 2026, the port is getting ready for its busiest season in history.

According to the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, a record 1.4 million cruise passengers are expected to pass through the city this year, with July being the busiest month.

2026 Vancouver Ship Call Breakdown

• February: 1 call (The earliest start in port history)
• April: 8 calls
• May: 64 calls
• June: 68 calls
• July: 78 calls (Peak volume month)
• August: 75 calls
• September: 61 calls (Includes the record-breaking weekend)
• October: 4 calls

A Big Weekend and Busy Summer

Port officials expect 359 cruise ship visits for the full year, with vessels arriving almost daily during the peak Alaska season from May through early October.

While most busy weekends will see 40,000 to 50,000 travelers, one window stands out as the busiest in the terminal’s history.

• The Peak Weekend: September 18–21, 2026 (Forecasted 56,000 passengers).
• The Busiest Day: Saturday, September 19, 2026 (About 20,000 passengers).
• Total Season Volume: 1.4 million passengers, surpassing the previous record set in 2023.

Note: That 56,000 figure might seem impossible but it counts everyone moving through the port over a four-day “long weekend” (Friday–Monday). Since Vancouver is a “homeport,” each ship does a full turnaround, meaning thousands leave in the morning and a new group boards by the afternoon.

By staggering these arrivals across three berths, the port handles this huge flow of cruisers.

If you want to see every ship that will be sailing in and out of Vancouver this year, you can check out this PDF that the port created.

Disney Brings “Double Magic” to the Pacific

For the first time ever, Disney Cruise Line is homeporting two ships in Vancouver simultaneously. Both Disney Wonder and Disney Magic will operate out of Canada Place this season.

Economic Impact

According to the Canadian cruise port, each ship call injects about $3 million into the local economy through passenger spending, crew visits, tours, and other avenues.

In 2025, the local impact was over $1 billion, and 2026 is on track to beat that figure.

But this record-breaking season also overlaps with Vancouver hosting seven FIFA World Cup 2026 matches during June and July.  So, buckle up for some extra traffic downtown.

Officials are advising residents and visitors to plan ahead and use the SkyTrain transit as much as possible.  I loved using the SkyTrain on my Vancouver visit and found I didn’t even need to rent a car or use a taxi during my two days in the city.

Tips for 2026 Cruisers

If you are sailing out of Vancouver this year, you have plenty of options for cruise ships and cruise lines, but it also means you should do your planning well ahead of your sailing date.

You should try to arrive exactly at your assigned port time to avoid terminal congestion.  And if you are traveling during the September 18–21 window, consider staying in a hotel near a SkyTrain station further from the immediate port area to avoid the heaviest traffic.

Vancouver is an incredible port to start an Alaskan cruise but get there a few days ahead of your cruise or stay a few extra days after to really appreciate all the city has to offer. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

When MSC Cruises’ next new cruise ship, MSC World Asia, debuts later this year, it will have an open-air theme park and award-winning entertainment for the entire family.

MSC World Asia will have a reimagined Harbour outdoor park, the interactive MSC Luna Park Arena, The Clubhouse family activity hub and an expanded Doremiland kids club spanning more than 10,000 square feet.

The ship will have new experiences that range from game shows to roller skating to LEGO activations.

MSC Luna Park

The MSC Luna Park on MSC World Asia will be the most  innovative, interactive and versatile venues. Using innovative digital technology, the entire floor transforms into an interactive arena, allowing guests to compete in dynamic, immersive gaming experience.

The venue will host three original game shows: Code Breakers, a fast-paced mission to crack a secret code; Labyrinth, a challenge of intelligence, strategy and orientation; and Chart Toppers, a lively music quiz.

The Clubhouse

The Clubhouse will be the central hub for active family entertainment. It will have a dedicated LEGO Family Zone, roller skating, bumper cars, sports, and wellness sessions led by professional coaches.

This area will also have:

• New popup concept, Extra Record Live
• Guinness World Records
• MasterChef at Sea Juniors
• Out of Control, a brand-new timed obstacle challenge
• Doremix Family Disco

The Harbour

The Harbour will have an Adventure Trail rope course and the longest dry slide at sea to Europe’s first over-water swing, Cliffhanger.

Waterslides at the Harbour will include Twin Racer and U Drop that will thrill cruisers of all ages.

The Play Deck will be a relaxed outdoor space for younger cruisers and a place for the entire family to come together.

The Harbour blends tradition with modern design and is brought to life through live activities, the LEGO Parade, and daily entertainment. As the sun sets, The Harbour transforms into a glowing outdoor theme park, offering an extended evening program.

Doremiland

The Doremiland on Deck 19 will span over 10,000 square feet. It will have two new LEGO rooms including one inspired by iconic landmarks and culture across Asia.

The spaces here include everything from Baby Club developed with Chicco, to Junior and Teens Clubs featuring state-of-the-art technology, the latest gaming experiences, a full arcade and MSC Formula Racer simulator.

Families can choose supervised childcare or shared experiences designed to create unforgettable moments together.

MSC Cruises Vice President of Entertainment Steve Leatham gave the following statement:

“As a family-owned company, MSC Cruises knows what it takes to keep the whole family happy on holiday, with tailored family entertainment activities and facilities for guests of all ages. On board MSC World Asia, family entertainment will reach new heights – bigger, bolder and more innovative than ever. Featuring our widest range of programs yet, alongside immersive, interactive and personalized experiences for everyone from toddlers to teens, families can expect truly extraordinary moments at sea.”

MSC Cruises Family Entertainment Development Director Matteo Mancini added:

“For us, the greatest reward is seeing the joy on families’ faces when they discover something completely new. On MSC World Asia, every experience has been designed to surprise, inspire and spark imagination. We’ve pushed creativity to new limits, and we’re confident guests will leave genuinely amazed.”

MSC World Asia will sail seven-night itineraries to some of the Mediterranean’s most sought-after destinations including Barcelona, Marseille, Messina, Civitavecchia for Rome, Naples and Valletta.